Reliance Electric AutoMax Processor Modules: 0-60021-2

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Reliance Electric AutoMax Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Reliance Electric AutoMax control system is a distributed control platform deployed extensively across global heavy industry, including petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, pulp and paper mills, cement plants, and steel manufacturing operations. Introduced in the mid-1980s, AutoMax established itself as a high-reliability, rack-based programmable automation controller (PAC) architecture capable of deterministic real-time control across multi-axis drive coordination and process sequencing. Its modular backplane design allowed facilities to scale from single-rack configurations to multi-rack distributed networks, making it a preferred platform for continuous-process industries where unplanned downtime carries significant financial and safety consequences. The 0-60021-2 processor module represents a core CPU component within this architecture, responsible for executing ladder logic, coordinating I/O scan cycles, and managing inter-module communications across the AutoMax backplane.

The Evolution of AutoMax Architecture

The AutoMax platform evolved through several distinct hardware generations between its introduction and eventual discontinuation by Rockwell Automation following the acquisition of Reliance Electric in 1995. Early-generation AutoMax systems (circa 1986–1991) utilized 16-bit processor architectures with proprietary backplane bus protocols operating at relatively low clock speeds, sufficient for the drive coordination and sequential control tasks of that era. Mid-generation revisions introduced enhanced CPU modules with expanded memory addressing, faster scan times, and improved diagnostics. The 0-60021-x processor family, including the 0-60021-2, belongs to this mid-to-late generation, offering improved throughput over earlier -0 and -1 suffix variants while maintaining backward compatibility with existing I/O racks and communication modules.

Following Rockwell Automation's acquisition, AutoMax was positioned alongside Allen-Bradley PLC-5 and ControlLogix platforms. Rockwell continued to support AutoMax through the late 1990s and into the 2000s, but the platform entered end-of-life status, with official spare parts support progressively withdrawn. Facilities that standardized on AutoMax face a binary choice: full migration to modern platforms (ControlLogix, PlantPAx) or lifecycle extension through third-party spare parts sourcing. The backplane bus architecture of AutoMax is not electrically or software-compatible with any current Rockwell platform, making direct module substitution impossible without a full system retrofit.

AutoMax Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced components within the Reliance Electric AutoMax module ecosystem. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware function within the rack architecture.

Processor / CPU Modules

• 0-60021-2: AutoMax CPU processor module, mid-generation, rack-mount, backplane bus master controller
• 0-60021-1: AutoMax CPU processor module, earlier revision, reduced memory capacity vs. -2 suffix
• 0-60021-0: AutoMax CPU processor module, initial production revision, legacy firmware baseline
• 0-60022-2: AutoMax enhanced processor module, extended instruction set, higher scan rate
• 0-60022-3: AutoMax enhanced processor module, latest production revision, maximum onboard RAM

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• 0-60031-2: 16-channel 120VAC digital input module, optically isolated, rack-mount
• 0-60031-4: 32-channel 24VDC digital input module, high-density, sink/source configurable
• 0-60032-1: 16-channel 240VAC digital input module, high-voltage industrial input

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• 0-60033-2: 16-channel 120VAC digital output module, triac output, optically isolated
• 0-60033-4: 32-channel 24VDC digital output module, transistor output, high-density
• 0-60034-1: 8-channel relay output module, dry contact, 2A per channel

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• 0-60041-2: 8-channel analog input module, 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable, 12-bit resolution
• 0-60041-4: 16-channel analog input module, high-density, 13-bit resolution

Analog Output (AO) Modules

• 0-60043-2: 4-channel analog output module, 4–20mA, 12-bit DAC, loop-powered

Communication & Network Adapter Modules

• 0-60051-1: AutoMax network adapter module, coaxial AutoMax LAN interface, peer-to-peer
• 0-60052-2: Remote I/O adapter module, AutoMax rack-to-rack extension, fiber optic option

Power Supply Modules

• 0-60011-2: AutoMax rack power supply, 5VDC / 24VDC dual output, 10A capacity
• 0-60011-4: AutoMax rack power supply, high-capacity, redundant input option

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete AutoMax Parts

The AutoMax platform has been in end-of-life status for over two decades. Rockwell Automation no longer manufactures or warehouses AutoMax-specific modules, and OEM new-old-stock (NOS) inventory is effectively exhausted through official channels. Facilities operating AutoMax systems must source replacement modules through specialist industrial spare parts distributors with dedicated legacy inventory programs.

DriveKNMS maintains a standing inventory of AutoMax modules including processor units, I/O modules, communication adapters, and power supplies. Sourcing protocols include direct warehouse stock, broker network access, and decommissioned-system recovery. For processor modules such as the 0-60021-2, DriveKNMS provides pre-shipment functional verification, revision-level documentation, and compatibility confirmation against the customer's existing rack firmware baseline. Emergency same-day quotation is available for critical plant maintenance scenarios.

Quality Control for the AutoMax Range

AutoMax modules present specific quality verification challenges due to their age, backplane bus dependency, and the prevalence of counterfeit or misrepresented units in the secondary market. DriveKNMS applies a structured inspection and functional test protocol to all AutoMax inventory prior to shipment.

Incoming inspection covers physical condition assessment (connector pin integrity, PCB corrosion, capacitor condition, EPROM label verification), revision suffix confirmation against customer-specified requirements, and firmware version identification where applicable. Functional testing for processor modules such as the 0-60021-2 includes power-on self-test (POST) verification, backplane communication handshake confirmation, and where test rack infrastructure permits, full I/O scan cycle execution under simulated load. Communication modules are tested for network interface continuity and protocol handshake integrity. Power supply modules undergo load testing at rated current with output voltage stability measurement. All tested units are documented with test date, technician ID, and pass/fail criteria records retained for traceability.